Lampard, 34, who looks set to move when his contract expires in the summer, smashed in Chelsea’s third goal from the penalty spot in their romp against Stoke.

Benitez said: “ I have said 100 times he is under contract and is performing well. He is fine. It’s not an issue.”

But for the Chelsea fans who chanted ‘Sign him up, sign him up’, it is an issue, with the club allowing the England star, who was outstanding in midfield alongside Eden Hazard, to run down his contract.

I have said 100 times he is under contract and is performing well. He is fine. It’s not an issue.

Rafa Benitez

On his own performance as manager, Benitez added: “We cannot be thinking every week is there a crisis or isn’t there a crisis. We are scoring more goals than in the past and conceding half the number.”